Alan Houser recently challenged me to list the 10 books that have impacted me the most (Alyssa Fox had challenged him). Well, I don’t know about “the most”, but here is a list of books that have made an impact for me:

Professional Dynamics

• Five Dysfunctions of a Team (by Patrick Lencioni) – this book helped me become a better manager and recognize how to work effectively within a larger organization. I also use some of these concepts in coaching competitive swimming.
• It’s Your Ship (by Captain D. Michael Abrashoff) – this book helped me see the importance of making a decision and moving forward, and how empowering members of a team can move an organization quickly.
• Topgrading (by Bradford D. Smart) – this book illustrated the importance of interviewing and hiring, and provided many scenarios for effective interviews and team development. I may not agree with several facets of the overall approach, but the discussion of ways to ask open-ended questions has shaped how I interview and how I talk about what I do.

Personal Growth and Relationships

• Way of the Peaceful Warrior (by Dan Millman) – this book shaped how I coach swimming and how I began my quest for personal growth. I also enjoyed his follow on book, Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior.
• Illusions (by Richard Bach) – When I left Pennsylvania to move to Texas, the swim team I coached there gave me an incredible going away party. Their kind words and generosity to find ways that I could see the kids swim at Nationals that year made a huge impact, but I felt like I didn’t deserve their praise. This book helped me explore other perspectives.
• Loving Each Other (by Leo Buscaglia) – this book gave me great advice about relationships when I was in my early twenties. I also liked his book, Love, which helped me recognize the unconditional love I received from my parents and how that gave me the confidence to reach for the stars.
• The Missing Piece (by Shel Silverstein) – a good, light-hearted book about dating/relationships. His follow up book, The Missing Piece Meets the Big O gave another perspective.
• The Bridge Across Forever (by Richard Bach) – I enjoyed exploring aspects of relationships I hadn’t considered before reading this book.

What books have you read that have impacted you?